National Park Week is a week annually proclaimed for the celebration and recognition of our national parks. This year, National Park Week will be April 22 through 30 and this year’s theme is “Your Park Story.”
The celebrations will be marked with special events and activities including Entrance Fee-Free Day on April 22 and additional themes each day of the week. You can visit nps.gov/ for the daily themes.
Our national parks are living examples of the best this nation has to offer — magnificent natural landscapes and our varied yet inter-related heritage. Parks can provide outdoor opportunities, recreational experiences and places of quiet retreat.
America’s national parks have something for everyone. Take a break and experience the new, enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise and see where history happened. Since admission is free to all on Saturday, April 22, National Park Week is a great time to get up, get out and explore a park.
There are six national parks in Mississippi.
Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site is where Major Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest obtained a significant Confederate victory in 1864. However, its long-term effect on the war proved costly. This site is a perfect example of winning the battle, but losing the war.
Tupelo National Battlefield is where the battle of Tupelo was fought by more than 20,000 troops. Major Gen. William Sherman successfully kept Forrest away from the federal supply line in Tennessee in June of 1864.
The Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery commemorate the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg. Its surrender on July 4, 1863, gave the North control of the Mississippi River. The Vicksburg battlefield includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16-mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat and the national cemetery.
The Natchez National Historical Park is located in Natchez. From the magnificent antebellum estate of John McMurran, to the downtown home of African-American barber and diarist William Johnson, to the French Fort Rosalie, this diverse Mississippi River town has lent itself to opportunity for hundreds of years.
The Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is open year-round, is located in Mississippi and Florida. You will find bayous, historic forts, island beaches, recreational opportunities and sparkling waters abound there. Gentle breezes, hurricanes and tides continually reestablish this charismatic scenery.
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is one of my favorite national parks. It stretches from Nashville to Natchez and encompasses numerous points of interest along the way, from bountiful wildlife to Indian mounds, and other historical sites.
Remember, our national parks belong to everyone and visiting them can be a marvelous experience.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a nonprofit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources.
